Harrow construction



June 27, 1939. A E W, pcd-umseygy 2,64,2l1

HARBOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. l2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 27, 1939. A, E, w. JOHNSON 2,164,211

HAHROW CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. l2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 27, 1939. A E, W, JCHNSON z,le4,z11

HARROW CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug.v l2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Tzu/612 tof lalfolzzzsozz Patented June 27, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARROW CONSTRUCTION tion of New Jersey Application August 12, 1938, Serial No. 224,431

10 Claims.

This invention relates to a harrow construction. More specifically, it relates to a disk harrow construction for use in orchard cultivation, comprising a pair of gangs pivotally connected and so constructed as to be turned either to the right or to the left.

In narrow constructions used in orchard cultivation, there is normally a pair of harrow gangs pivotally connected to one another. In working position, the gangs occupy an angle with respect to one another such that the harrow may be turned, for example, to the left, but not to the right. It is, therefore, necessary to provide some means for changing the angle of the gangs With respect to one another, so that the harrow may be turned to the right. It is desirable that this means be operative automatically upon turning of the tractor which pulls the harrow. It is to a construction of this type that the present invention is directed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved harrow construction.

Another object is the provision vof an improved harrow construction comprising a pair of gangs pivotally attached to one another, which may be turned either to the right or to the left.

A further object is to provide, in a harrow construction comprising a pair of pivotally connected gangs, an arrangement for shifting the angle vof the gangs to permit turning of the harrow in a certain direction where the angle of the gangs in working position does not permit turning in this direction.

Still another object of the invention is the provision in a harrow, having a pair of pivotally connected gangs and a connection from one end of the front gang to an offset member on the tractor pulling the harroW for pulling the end of the front gang around in turns, there being also a novel member for releasing the gangs from angled position when turns are to be made and for varying the angle of the gangs in working position.

According to the present invention, a pair of gangs are pivotally connected to one another. Draft means is connected to the right end of the front gang and to the left end of the rear gang. A chain connection is provided from a point adjacent the left end of the front `gang to a bar `offset laterally from a tractor pulling the harrow. A curved member is also provided and is releasably engageable at one end with the draft means for releasing the gangs from angle on turns and also releasably engageable adjacent the other end in a plurality of positions with the front gang for :varying the angle of the gangs in working posiion.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the novel barrow construction in working position;

Figure 2 is an enlarged scale section taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section taken along the line 3'-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a plan View of the narrow in transport position;

Figure 5 is an enlarged scale section taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 4; and,

Figure 6 is a plan view of the harrow when it is being turned to the right.

A narrow IU comprises a front gang I I and a. rear gang I2 pivotally connected to one another by means of cross links I3 and I4. A transverse bar I5 is pivotally connected at I6 adjacent the right end of the front gang Il. At the other end of the bar I5, a longitudinal reach bar I'I is connected, as at I8, and extends to a point of connection I9 on the left end of the rear gang I2. A 'U-shaped member 2li (Figure 5), secured to the front gang Il, holds down the reach bar I5. A draft member 2 I, composed of adjustable sections 22 and 23, is pivotally attached at `2lI to the right Vend of the gang II. A draft member 26, also composed of a pair of adjustable sections 21 and 28, is pivotally attached at 29 to a short piece 30 pivoted at the point I3 on the end of the bar I5. The two draft bars 2| and 26 extend forwardly to a point of connection 32, and the draft bar 26 extends beyond to a point of connection 33 with a U-bar 34 `of a tractor, not shown. A bar 36 is fixed to the U-bar 34 so as to extend laterally beyond and to` receive in an opening 3l a chain 38 connected to a rod 39, in turn, connected to mechanism on the front gang I I of the narrow, to be described presently.

It will be noted that the bar I5 and draft bars 2l and 26 are connected substantially in triangular form and constitute in effect a rigid draft applying means. The lengths of either the bars 2l or 26 may be varied by adjustment of the individual sections, but for any one operation of the harrow the bars are kept fixed in length. From this description it will be seen that draft is applied to the harrow from the tractor by means of the draft applying means constituting the bars I5, 2| and 26, and the reach bar I1.

Figure 1 shows the gangs in working position with the angle such that turns may be made to the left. However, it is necessary `to transport the tractor in some cases and, in others, to turn CII it to the right. For these purposes the harrow is provided with a construction which will now be described. As seen in Figures 1, 4 and 6, a curved bar 42 is provided, which has at one end a notch 43 and, adjacent the other end, a series of notches 44. In the working position of Figure l, the notch 43 at the front end of the bar 42 is so positioned as to be engaged by a member 46 (Figure 2) pivoted on a bracket member 4'I secured to a U-shaped member 48. The ends of the U-shaped member 48 support a bearing sleeve 49, which journals the bent end 50 of the reach bar I'I. Arod 52 has one end secured to the U-shaped member 48 and its other end 53 bent at right angles and journaled in a bearing member 54 secured to the right end of the front gang II at the point previously referred to as I6. The U-shaped member 48 and the rod 52 constitute the individual parts of the bar I previously referred to. A retaining piece 56 is secured to the top of the U-shaped member 48, so as to enclose a space into which the curved bar 42 fits. As previously stated, the member 46 engages the notch 43 in the member 42 and is urged into this position by a spring 5'! between the member 46 and the base of the U-shaped member 48. This spring 5l surrounds a link 59 connected at one end to the member 46 and at the other end, as at 60, to one end of a lever 6I pivoted between its ends in a sleeve 62 secured to the rod 52. A link 64 connects at 65 the other end of the lever 6I and one arm of a bell crank 61 journaled in a piece 68 secured to an angle member 69, forming part of the frame of the front gang I I. VThe bell crank 61 is also connected to the rod 39 previously referred to. It will be seen from this description that there is a connection established between the laterally offset member 36 on the U-bar 34 of the tractor and the member 46 secured to the U-shaped member 48 of the bar I5 by means of the various links, levers and cranks, so that a pull by the member 36, resulting when the tractor turns to the right, is effective to swing the member 46 out of engagement with the notch 43 of the curved member 42, so as to release the curved member from the bar I5.

As previously stated, there is a plurality of notches 44 adjacent the rear end of the curved member 42, and, in the working position shown in Figure 1, the next to the last notch 44 is engaged by the upstanding flange 'I0 of the angle member 69, the end of the curved member 42 passing through an opening in the flange 10. The curved member 42 is normally urged to the left, as viewed in the section of Figure 5, by means of the parts shown therein, so that the flange 'I0 tends always to engage a notch 44 of the member 42, and the member 42 tends to be kept xed with respect to the front gang I I. As seen in Figure 5, there is a loop member 'II surrounding the curved member 42 immediately behind the flange '16, the same being retained against the flange 'I0 by means of a vertical extension I2 and a channel 'I3 secured to flange 10, in which channel extension 'I2 rides. An extension 'I4 at one side of the loop 'II is connected to a spring 'I5 connected, in turn, to a bolt 'I'I retained by a member 'I8 secured to one side of the front gang I I. A projection 80 extends from the other side of the loop 'I3 and receives one end of a link 8|, which has its other end connected to one arm of a bell crank 82 pivoted at 83 on the angle member 69. A cord or chain 84 is connected to the other end of the bell crank 82 and extends forwardly to within reach of an operators seat on the tractor. From this description it will be seen that a forward pull on the cord 84 has the effect of pulling the loop 'II to the right, as viewed in Figure 5, so as to cause disengagement of a notch 44 from the flange 70. The spring 'I5 resists this movement and, when the cord is released, pulls the loop back, so that the ange 'I6 again engages a notch 44.

In operation, the gangs of the harrow occupy a position such as shown in Figure l, the curved member 42 being xed both to the front gang I I and to the bar I5. Consequently, the gangs are held in one particular angle. It will be seen from Figure 1 that the gangs are in proper position to be turned to the left, since the intersection of the center lines of the harrow elements is to the left. When, however, a turn to the right is to be made, a shifting of the harrow gangs is necessary. How this is accomplished will be seen from a comparison of Figures l and 6. As the turn is started, the tractor, including the draw-bar 34 and the laterally extending bar 36, is turned to the right. This means that the bar 36 swing away from the front gang II. Consequently, a pull is transmitted through chain 38, rod 39, bell crank 61, links 59 and 64, and lever 6I, to swing the member 46 out of engagement with the notch 43. This pull is also transmitted through the mounting of the bell crank 6l on the piece 68, so as to pull the left end of the front gang I I forwardly. The forward end of the curved member 42, being released from bar I5 because of movement of the member 46 out of the notch 43 of the curved member 42, permits the front gang II to move forwardly to close the space between it and the bar I5. The gangs eventually move into the position of Figure 6 with the center lines of the harrow elements intersecting at the right, so that the harrow itself may be turned to the right. When the tractor is again driven, straight pull is exerted on the harrow through point 33 and draft members 2I and 26, so as to move bar I5 away from gang II and bring the gangs back to the position of Figure 1.

When it is desired to change the angle of the gangs, for example, when they are to be brought to transport position, a forward pull is exerted on the cord 84. This is elfective to release the flange 'I0 of the angle member 69 from a notch 44 of the curved member 42. Then the tractor and harrow are backed until the gangs assume the parallel position of Figure 4. The curved member 42 has moved back through the ilange '10. When it is desired to move the gangs back to angled position, a forward pull is again exerted on the cord 84 and the harrow and tractor are driven forwardly until the proper angle of gangs is reached. Then the cord 84 is released, and one of the notches 44 engages the flange 76, and the gangs are held in this particular angle. The gangs may be operated in any angle from parallel transport position to the maximum angle of working position, by engagement of the flange with the proper notch 44, which will hold the gangs in the particular angled position.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that a new and novel harrow construction has been provided. The harrow is of the type in which a pull is exerted on one end of the front gang for bringing the gangs to proper position for turns. A separate member has been provided, which has the double function of releasing the gangs from angle for turns and for allowing the variation of angle from parallel transport position to full angled working position. This member is, in a sense, floating and is free from a complicated connection withthe draft means or reach bar.` Furthermore, the control members for varying the position of the gangs, namely, the cord 84 and the rod-39,` are connected to the front gang at positions away from the extreme ends of the gang. Consequently, there will be no inter# ference with the operation of these parts by guard members placed over the ends of the front gang.

Itl will be apparent that changes may be made in the above construction without departure from `the spirit of the invention,- and the intention is to `limit theinvention only by the terms of the appended claims.r

Whatl is claimed isz" 1. In combination, a front harrow gang and a rear harrow gang movably connected to one another, a first linkconnected adjacent one end of the front gang, a second link connected at the opposite end of the rear gang and to the first link at a point spaced from the point of connection of the first link to the front gang, third and fourth links extending from connections respectively with the aforesaid points to a common point of connection, a tractor, means connecting the third and fourth links at the said common point and the tractor, an arcuate toothed member in generally parallel relation to the second link connected to the first link and to the front frame, flexible means extending from the front frame to the tractor for releasing the arcuate member from the front frame, and means for releasing the arcuate member from the first link, said last means comprising a flexible member connected to the tractor at a point offset laterally from the point of connection of the means connectingithe tractor and the third and fourth links, and conel necting pieces extending respectively along the first link from the arcuate member and along the front frame from the point of connection of the iiexible member.

2. In a harrow construction comprising front and rear gangs pivotally connected together, a rst link connected to one end of the front gang, a second link connected to the other end of the rear gang and to the iirst link, a tractor, draft means connecting the first link and the tractor, and exible means connecting the tractor at a point offset laterally from the draft means and the front gang at a point toward the opposite end from the point of connection of the first link to the front gang, the combination therewith of an arcuate member positioned in generally parallel relation to the second link on the side toward the center of the first gang and releasably connected at one end with the front gang through flexible means extending within reach of an operators seat on the tractor and at the other end with the first link, and means for releasing the arcuate member from the first link by means of the first mentioned exible means comprising a lever pivoted intermediate its ends on the first link adjacent its point ofV connection with the front gang, a first member extending along the first link and connecting one end of the lever and the releasable connection of the arcuate member and the rst link, and a second member extending along the front gang and connecting the other end of the lever and the rst mentioned flexible means.

3. I a harrow construction comprising front and rear gangs movably connected to one another, a rst bar pivotally connected to one end of the front frame, a second bar connected to the other end of the rear frame and to the rst bar, a draft means connected to the two bars, the

combination therewith of me'iis' for releasing the gangs from angled positio for turns and for limiting the angled position of the gangs, said means comprising a bar releasably engageable adjacent one enel with the frame and adjacent the other' end with the first bar.

4. Iri a harrow construction comprising front and rear harrow gangs movably connected to one another, and draft means connected to one end of the front gang and to the other end of the rear gang, the combination therewith of a member releasably connected at one end to the draft means for releasing the gangs from angle for turns and releasably connected adjacent the other end to the front gang for limiting the angle of the gangs.

5. In a harrow construction comprising front and rear gangs movably connected to one another, and draft means connected to one end of the front gang and to the opposite end of the rear gang, the combination therewith of a member releasably connected at one end to the draft means and releasably connected adjacent the other end to the front gang, a first means con nected to the front frame for releasing the member to vary its position with respect to the front frame for varying the angle of the gangs, and a second means for releasing the member from the draft means to allow the gangs to move out of angled position for turns, said means comprising a lever pivoted on the draft means adjacent the point of connection of the draft means with the front frame, a first link connecting one end of the lever and a release for the member on the draft means, and a second link extending from a point of connection with the other end of the lever to a point substantially at the Inid-section of the front gang.

6. In a harrow construction comprising front and rear gangs movably connected to one another, and draft means connected to one end of the front gang and to the other end of the rear gang, the combination therewith o-f a member for releasing the gangs from angle on turns and for varying the angle of the gangs in working position, said member being positioned on the front gang adjacent the end away from the end to which the draft means is attached and having one end notched for attachment to the draft means and having notches adjacent the other for connection to a tractor, said structure including a generally transverse bar having an end hinged to one end of the front gang, a generally longitudinal reach bar hinged to the other end of the transverse bar and spanning the front gang and hingedly connected to the opposite end of the rear gang, an arcuate bar, means releasably connecting one end of the last bar to the transverse bar, and means releasably connecting the other end of said last bar to the front gang.

8. In a harrow, front and rear gangs flexibly connected together, a draw frame structure pivotally connected to the front gang and adapted for connection to a tractor, said structure including a generally transverse bar having an end hinged to one end of the front gang, a generally longitudinal reach bar hinged to the other end of the transverse bar and spanning the front gang and hingedly connected to the opposite end. of the rear gang, latch means adjustably connected between said transverse bar and the front end of the front gang whereby a turn in one direction of the tractor will trip the latch means, causing the open end of the front and rear gangs to close so that a turn may be made.

9. In a harrow, front and rear gangs flexibly connected together, a draw frame structure pivotally connected to the front gang and adapted for connection to a tractor, said structure including a generally transverse bar having an end hinged to one end of the front gang, a generally longitudinal reach bar hinged to the other end of the transverse bar and spanning the front gang and hingedly connected to the opposite end of the rear gang, a fore and aft extending arcuate bar, means releasably latching the front part of the last bar to the transverse bar, means releasably latching the rear partof the arcuate bar to the front gang, flexible means connected t'o the trac-u -tor and operative on a turn in one direction of the tractor to release the front part of the arcuate bar, and manually controlled means operable from the tractor to release the rear part of the arcuate bar.

10. In a harroW, front and rear gangs exibly connected to one another, draft means including a rst bar connected to one end of the front gang,

a second bar connected to the other end of the y rear gang and to the rst bar, and a member extending in generally closely spaced parallel relation to the second bar and being releasably engageable at one end with the first bar and at the other end with the front frame.

ARNOLD E. W. JOHNSON. 

